6 Stops Along the Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail
Can you think of a better combination than sitting in a vineyard with a glass of red wine and a group of friends by your side? (We’ll wait.) And did we mention the cheese selection? Pair each of the luscious, sweet white wines and rich red wines with some of the tastiest cheeses — you deserve it. It’s time to treat yourself and take a scenic journey along the Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail. Here’s a few stops to explore on your adventure together.
Arena Cheese Inc. – Arena
Recognized by the mouse statue in front, you can’t miss this gem. Home of the Original Colby Jack cheese, cheese curds and delicious gift baskets — Arena Cheese is one of Wisconsin’s oldest operating cheese plants. Did we mention that Arena Cheese is a 34-time medal winner in the US, World and ACS Cheese Contest?
Share a bag of squeaky cheese curds (or each get your own), buy some classic brick cheese, and try savory cheese spreads — the best snack to munch on along the drive. Stop by on the way to Taliesin, the famous home of Frank Lloyd Wright, just a few miles away.
Rock N Wool Winery – Poynette
With a relaxing atmosphere and vineyard views, Rock N Wool Winery prides itself in creating rich wine with purely Wisconsin-grown grapes. This winery has 4 distinct bars and 9 separate seating areas making it a fantastic place to reconnect and enjoy wine tastings together. Outside of wine, this place has live music, 9 holes of disc golf, stunning views, private parties and more.
Carr Valley Cheese – La Valle
Nestled among greenery and stunning views, enjoy artisanal aged cheddars and tradition all on one plate at Carr Valley Cheese Company. They’re known for crafting high-quality cheese the old-fashioned (and most delicious) way. This place is the most award-winning cheese company in the world with over 750 awards and counting. And if you’re mouth isn’t watering already, it will be after you catch a glimpse of their famous freshly made bread cheese baked to perfection.
Wild Hills Winery – Muscoda
Located on 80 acres of greenery, stunning views, and cultivated vineyards, Wild Hills Winery is a premier artisanal winery, cidery, farm and orchard. This place calls all wine enthusiasts to try the finest red wines and sweet ciders with plenty to sip on and enjoy. You will catch a glimpse of breathtaking views as this winery is on the Ocooch Mountain range of the Driftless area and is a hopping place during the summer season. The winery and tasting room are housed in what remains of an old 1935 dairy barn with massive stone walls and a cave-like atmosphere. The grounds are also available for RV camping atop a beautiful hilltop overlooking the winery and vineyard.
Nordic Creamery – Westby
Nordic Creamery is a small, family-run dairy farm that’s been owned and operated by the Bekkum family since immigrating from Norway in 1917. From classic aged cheddar to handcrafted harvest butter and gourmet gift baskets, the Nordic Creamery is the place to be — and this place has won dozens of national and international awards. If you can’t try it all in one sitting, no worries. You can take some to-go along your road trip.
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery – Prairie Du Sac
We’ve covered, cheese, we’ve covered wine, but let’s add a distillery to the mix. Wollersheim Winery sits on a gorgeous hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River and is home to 30 acres of vineyards. While Wollersheim Winery is a leader in the Midwest, the distillery on the property is a huge hit too. Whether you taste the apple brandy or go the classic route with rosé, Riesling, or chardonnay, you can’t go wrong. And the best part? You can sip on it right by the vineyard.
Wisconsin’s Driftless region is downright gorgeous and should be at the top of anyone’s Wisconsin bucket list, but when the rolling hills and stunning views are paired with the unrivaled duo of wine and cheese, this experience can’t be topped.
Are you craving more wine and cheese? Check out the Fox River Valley Wine Trail.
